Kinsale’s St Francis Provisions honoured at Michelin ceremony in Dublin
Chef Darren Kennedy with Barbara Nealon for a take away at St. Francis Provisions on Short Quay in Kinsale, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
Kinsale restaurant St Francis Provisions was among the Irish winners celebrated at the Ceremony 2026, held at the Convention Centre Dublin on Monday night.
Barbara Nealon, owner and general manager of the popular Cork restaurant, received the Michelin Service Award, which recognises front-of-house teams for exceptional service and professionalism.
The award places a spotlight on hospitality as well as food, and underlines Cork’s reputation for warm, personal dining experiences.
St Francis Provisions, located in the heart of Kinsale, was praised by Michelin inspectors for its relaxed yet highly professional approach to service.
Ms Nealon has previously said the key to great hospitality is simple, joking that it comes down to “liking your customers”.
The award was announced as part of the launch of the , with this year’s ceremony marking the first time the prestigious event has been hosted in Ireland since the guide began in 1974.
Two Irish restaurants also received their first Michelin stars on the night.
In Dublin, Forest Avenue was promoted to one-star status, with Michelin recognising chef John Wyer’s pared-back cooking style that allows high-quality ingredients to take centre stage.
In Galway, The Pullman was also awarded its first Michelin star.
Owned by Angelo Vagiotis — former chef de cuisine in Terre in Castlemartyr in Cork — the restaurant is located in two original Orient Express train carriages on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel.
Inspectors highlighted its use of excellent Irish produce, served in a distinctive and luxurious setting.
While the Michelin Guide covers Great Britain and Ireland, Irish restaurants featured strongly at this year’s Dublin ceremony.
Dublin also recorded several new Bib Gourmand awards earlier this month, reflecting a strong year for value-led dining alongside fine restaurants.
International director of the , Gwendal Poullennec, said the 2026 selection reflected the resilience of the hospitality sector during a challenging period.
“I am delighted that this has been yet another excellent year for our Great Britain & Ireland Guide,” he said.
“In a year filled with challenges and turbulence in the industry, chefs and restaurateurs have once again shown their admirable resilience and innovation.”
The features 1,210 recommended restaurants in total, including 192 with one Michelin star.
The full restaurant and hotel selections are available on the Michelin Guide website and app.
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